40% of Public Radio Listeners Are Streaming Weekly

Jacobs Media has updated their annual survey of lots of public radio listeners about their technology habits. Public Radio Tech Survey 2010 interviewed more than 21000 public radio listeners in the US. The results reveal a continuing trend toward the use of mobile devices. “There’s been a lot written and said about how new technology impacts ‘old media,’ notes Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. “ Our findings clearly show how the smartphone continues to be the hot item, led by the Apple iPhone.”

Jacobs is only releasing highlights, so I have not had the chance to parse the info myself and think about it, but here are some highlights from them:

More than one-third of PRTS3 respondents now own a smartphone, up 29% from last year’s study. IPhone is the top choice.

One-fourth of public radio survey takers listen to Pandora monthly or more.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents now have a social media profile. Facebook and LinkedIn are the big gainers.

Four in ten survey participants listen to streaming audio at least weekly, up 17% from last year’s survey.

In the past year, six of every ten respondents say they have downloaded and listened to a podcast.

More than one in ten owns an eReader, such as a Kindle or Nook, while 6% have already purchased an iPad.

Overall, 6% say they have an HD Radio, up 22% from last year. On the other hand, satellite radio’s 13% is similar to last year’s levels.

Typically, Jacobs will release additional info from the survey over the next few weeks or months.